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Toddlers love to climb, reach, and copy everything we do—whether it’s stirring pancake batter or rinsing dishes at the sink. For many families, toddler towers (also called learning towers or kitchen helpers) feel like the perfect solution: they give little ones a safe perch to explore while keeping them close during everyday routines.
But new safety tests from Consumer Reports reveal a serious concern: most toddler towers on the market failed when it came to stability and entrapment risks. With only 2 of 16 towers passing both tests, parents need clear guidance on which models are safe—and how to use them without worry.
How toddler towers are tested for safety
Instead of going deep into technical specs, here’s what parents need to know from the latest Consumer Reports evaluation:
- Most towers tip too easily. When researchers simulated the way toddlers lean or climb, 13 of 16 towers failed the stability test.
- Entrapment risks are real. Only 5 towers passed entrapment testing, while the majority posed head-trap risks.
- Warnings weren’t always clear. Several towers lacked proper labels on age, height, or weight guidelines—making it harder for parents to know when they’re safe to use.
In short: even though toddler towers are marketed as safe “helpers,” many don’t meet the standard parents assume they do.
Related: Why Moms Are Calling This High Chair + Toddler Tower a Parenting Game-Changer
Which toddler towers passed—and which failed
Here’s a breakdown of how each model performed in Consumer Reports’ testing:
| Result | Toddler Tower Models |
|---|---|
| ✅ Passed both stability & entrapment tests | • Guidecraft Contemporary Kitchen Helper Toddler Tower • Simplay3 Toddler Tower Adjustable Stool |
| ⚠️ Passed stability, failed entrapment | • Honey Joy Kitchen Step Stool |
| ⚠️ Passed entrapment, failed stability | • Juzbot Juzbot 4 in 1 Toddler Tower • Lalo The Tower • Yojoker 4 in 1 Convertible Toddler Kitchen Stool |
| ❌ Failed both tests | • Avenlur 4-in-1 Foldable Kitchen Tower • Boon Pivot Toddler Tower • Cosco Kitchen Stepper • Cosyland Kids Kitchen Standing Tower Step Stool Helper • Dadada Toddler Tower • Franklin + Emily Toddler Tower • Harppa Nordi • Piccalio Mini Chef Foldable Helper Tower • Sdadi Kids Kitchen Step Stool • Toetol Bamboo Toddler Kitchen Step Stool |
How to keep toddler tower time safe
Even with the safest towers, supervision and setup matter most. Here are some expert-backed tips to reduce risk:
Even the most solid towers aren’t risk-free. Parents in our community shared what makes tower time feel safer and less stressful:
Choose weight over convenience
A heavier tower might be harder to drag from room to room, but it’s also less likely to wobble when your toddler leans over the edge.
Do quick “kitchen checks”
Before your child climbs in, take 30 seconds to look over screws, joints, and the surface beneath the tower. Think of it like buckling a car seat—small habits add up to peace of mind.
Keep it a together-time tool
Towers work best when they’re part of shared activities—mixing batter, rinsing veggies, or coloring at counter height—not as a spot to leave kids unsupervised.
Reset the environment
Once your toddler is at counter height, the whole kitchen changes. Move knives, mugs of coffee, hot pans, or glass jars out of reach. Flat, non-slippery floors are safest for tower placement.
Match the tower to your child’s stage
Every child grows differently. If they’re still climbing furniture unsafely, they may not be ready for tower use. And once they’ve outgrown the weight or height limit, it’s time to transition to a step stool.
Add your own safeguards
Some parents add grippy mats under towers, use non-slip shoes, or place towers only in one “approved” kitchen zone. Small tweaks can make a big difference.
Related: 4 reasons we’re obsessed with the Boon Pivot Toddler Tower
Why this matters for families
Toddler towers can open up a whole new world for little ones—letting them stir, pour, and explore right alongside you. But the safety risks uncovered in recent tests make one thing clear: not every product lives up to the trust parents place in it.
The good news is that with careful choices and consistent supervision, toddler towers can still deliver on what families love most—connection, confidence, and independence. By focusing on sturdiness, setup, and safe habits, you give your child the chance to learn and participate while keeping accidents at bay.
Because what matters most isn’t the tower itself—it’s the moments of laughter, curiosity, and togetherness it can create when used safely.
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